An attorney alleged Tuesday that Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation agents targeted male student-athletes and violated their rights when investigating their sports betting violations in May of 2023, according to a legal motion provided to Sports Handle. 

Johnson Filing

Attorney Christopher Sandy’s motion, which was filed on behalf of Iowa State wrestler Paniro Johnson, comes less than 24 hours after a different legal motion alleged that DCI agents conducted a “warrantless” search that led to a series of punishments for Iowa and Iowa State athletes. Sandy’s motion builds upon the prior legal motion, suggesting that at least one DCI agent, Mark Ludwick, believes student-athletes had their rights violated by an unfair investigation. 

The latest motion says that Iowa State students, such as football defensive end Isaiah Lee, were misled to believe that Iowa sports betting operators were the focus of the investigation. Ludwick assured Lee that if the defensive lineman was honest about his gambling habits, he wouldn’t face any adverse or criminal consequences. Lee was honest about his wagering — he’s accused of betting against Iowa State, among other wagers — and subsequently faced numerous punishments. 

Sandy’s motion alleges that Agent Ludwick asked to be removed from the case upon realizing the investigation targeted athletes and was conducted unlawfully. The motion suggests multiple other DCI agents also believe the investigation was illegally conducted. 

Among the notable Iowa and Iowa State athletes impacted by the sports betting investigation were Iowa football defensive end Noah Shannon, Iowa State running back Jirehl Brock, and Iowa State quarterback Hunter Dekkers. All three projected starters missed the 2023 season due to their alleged violations. 

Several Iowa head coaches questioned why their athletes and Iowa State athletes were investigated, but no other athletic departments nationally were extensively investigated. 

“I have said many times that I think it is peculiar that the state of Iowa is uniquely the focus of this investigation,” Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz said in November. 

A DCI representative declined comment on Tuesday afternoon when contacted by Sports Handle, saying the division doesn’t comment on ongoing legal matters.